Tom Brady and Mike Evans Jan 1, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) and quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrate after a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Most of this season, fans have been asking the questions.

What’s wrong with Tom Brady?

What’s wrong with Mike Evans?

They got their answers with a fat exclamation point Sunday. Nothing is wrong with Brady and Evans.

Brady threw for 432 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 30-24 win over the Carolina Panthers. Evans was on the other end of much of that production, with the wide receiver catching 10 passes for 207 yards and all three Brady TDs.

It was a must-win game for the Bucs (8-8), who clinched the NFC South Division Championship with the victory.

Both Brady and Evans have performed below expectations this year, and their troubles appeared intertwined. Look no further than this terrible Evans drop on a sure touchdown pass in the first meeting between Tampa Bay and Carolina this season.

Evans caught almost everything thrown his way Sunday. His 57- and 63-yard touchdowns put the Buccaneers in a position to win the game. Brady and Evans put the Buccaneers ahead for good on this 30-yard touchdown with 6:47 remaining.

Evans now has nine straight 1,000-yard seasons. According to ESPN, that’s tied with Tim Brown for the second-longest streak in NFL history, behind Jerry Rice, who did it 11 straight years.

NFL fans paid Brady and Evans respect after their incredible showing Sunday.

Former Tampa Bay defensive star Gerald McCoy tweeted, “When we mention the great receivers of this generation can we please start saying MIKE EVANS!! THE ONLY ONE in history!! 9 straight 1k seasons!!”

ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III tweeted, “Mike Evans is the most unappreciated Star WR in the NFL. 9 Straight 1k yard seasons.”

ESPN’s Jenna Laine tweeted, “Mike Evans had gone 11 games without a touchdown prior to today. Now he’s got three for the day. WOW.”

“Tom Brady x Mike Evans = Goated,” tweeted Zach Masters.

“Mike Evans and Tom Brady are back! perfect timing for the playoffs,” tweeted a fan.

https://twitter.com/ramyb_/status/1609655375661498368

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.